Every big final produces a variety of different stories and the 2023 Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup Final certainly fits the bill.
While those who calculated problems due to the trap draw were proved absolutely right, it would be very difficult to deny that the final went to a thoroughly deserving performance.
Swift Silly had “defied her draw”, in the semi finals according to the race commentator. A more accurate description of the final was that she simply blew away the opposition.
This is how the race developed
And this is the whole race at full speed . . .
It was a tremendously popular win by local trainer Raymond Hale and owner Michael Thompson.
Newcastle GM Ian Walton said: “I know there was a bit of trouble but I think she would have won anyway after setting a split like that. That is Ice On Fire type of early pace*)
(*Ice On Fire clocked 4.59 when winning the 2019 final. His fastest ever sectional was 4.44 in a solo)
“It was the winning time too. The 28.48 was on -10 going. I reckon it was all of that.
“It was a tremendous win for Raymond and son Michael who helps his dad with the dogs. Proper down-to-earth greyhound people.”
That’s my girl – Michael Thompson hugs Swift Silly
Owner Lee Calcutt is widely regarded as one of the shrewdest judges in the game. Often sourcing young greyhounds from the Irish market in particular who go on to achieve great things here in the UK. Lee particularly has a keen eye for potential staying stars and he kindly shares his thoughts for our greyhounds to follow for 2024 feature below.
Lee Calcutt
Remembering 2023 – September
- Entain’s Leo Walker unveils a fabulous video, based around the Monmore rehoming scheme and looking at the retirement of ex racers
- Irish star Scaglietti is sold for £45K by on-line site Greyhoundtrader.
- Trainer John Mullins is irritated following an on-line and RPGTV backlash when the Yarmouth stewards decide to mark Swift Iconic as awkward rather than disqualify him.
- The Gambling Commission issues a Tweet criticising Racing Post for failing to publish one of its statements
- Coolavanny Shado, beaten at 1-4 in the 2022 East Anglian Derby Final finishes fifth a 1-2f in the 2023 version. A trouble marred race goes to Seamus Cahill’s Watch The Limo. Steve Nash recorded it all
- Emily Wallis reports on the story of royal jockey turned greyhound owner David Harrison
- Queen Joni, who had set a new track record in the semi finals, was an impressive winner of the Produce Stakes at Swindon
- Three nights after his Yarmouth success, Seamus Cahill is in the money again, and this time with the considerably more fancied Droopys Clue in the PGR St.Leger at Perry Barr. Steve Nash is once again on hand to record the big race winners which also included Brookside Richie landing the fourth Category One race of his career in the Birmingham Cup
- GBGB celebrates the third anniversary of the Greyhound Retirement Scheme.
- Star Editor Floyd Amphlett gets a little overheated when responding to Blue Cross’s campaign to ban greyhound racing as reported by BBC Radio Essex. Fortunately GBGB are a little more measured in their response
- Irish Oaks winner Crafty Shivoo justifies ante post favouritism in the Bet365 Empress Stakes at Towcester
- Following complaints from several trainers that the Henlow racing surface was inadequately watered, the Maiden Gold Cup Final was made void and not run.
- Sales company Greyhoundtrader diversifies to set up a separate on-line business, Premier Greyhound Sales
- British bred pup Romeo Crusade – 66/1 ante post, 20/1 on the night – land the Coral Romford Puppy for Dave Firmager and David Mullins
